Emirates and Etihad extend Bahrain and Kuwait flight cancellations Emirates and Etihad Airways have extended the suspension of flights between the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain and Kuwait, with travel disruptions now persisting for a third consecutive week. The cancellations, initially announced earlier in the month, have been prolonged to at least August 5, 2026, due to ongoing regional tensions and operational challenges. Emirates has suspended all services to Bahrain and Kuwait, canceling seven daily flights in total. The airline’s three daily Bahrain flights—EK835, EK837, and EK839—and four daily Kuwait services—EK853, EK855, EK857, and EK859—are all affected. Etihad Airways similarly cited safety concerns, stating that the well-being of passengers and crew remains its top priority, and has canceled flights EY653 and EY654 between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait International Airport. The disruptions are part of broader adjustments by international carriers operating in the Middle East. While UAE-based airlines flydubai and Air Arabia continue to provide services to Bahrain and Kuwait, some of their flights remain subject to cancellation. The situation reflects heightened operational uncertainty across the region, driven by airspace restrictions and security concerns. British Airways has postponed the resumption of flights to Dubai, Bahrain, and Amman until October 25, 2026, while maintaining a reduced schedule to Doha and Riyadh. KLM has suspended services to Dubai, Riyadh, and Dammam until August 23, 2026, citing avoidance of airspace over Iran, Iraq, Israel, and parts of the Arabian Gulf. Lufthansa Group airlines, including Lufthansa and Swiss, have also adjusted schedules to several Middle East destinations, and Air France has temporarily suspended flights to Saudi Arabia.#emirates #etihad_airways #bahrain #kuwait #abu_dhabi
Malaysia to Host 2026 Bahrain Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit Formula 1 and the FIA have officially confirmed that Malaysia will host the Bahrain Grand Prix in October 2026, with the Sepang International Circuit serving as the venue for the event. The race, scheduled for October 2-4, will take place between the Azerbaijan and Singapore Grands Prix on the 2026 calendar. The agreement, which is contingent on final approvals from the World Motor Sport Council, marks a significant development for the sport, ensuring the continuation of the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia despite previous uncertainties. The decision was reached through collaboration between Formula 1, the FIA, the Governments of Bahrain and Malaysia, and reflects a shared commitment to preserving the event. The Sepang International Circuit, which first hosted a Formula 1 race in 1999, is one of the sport’s most iconic and challenging tracks. Known for its unpredictable weather, high-speed corners, and passionate fanbase, the circuit has long been a staple of the Formula 1 calendar. This new arrangement will see the venue host the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, a name that underscores the partnership between the two nations and the event’s significance. Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, expressed his enthusiasm for the announcement, highlighting the sport’s ability to adapt and deliver exciting moments for fans. He acknowledged the contributions of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Sultan Ibrahim of Malaysia, and FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem, emphasizing their vision and collaboration in making the event possible. Domenicali also praised the fans, noting that the 2026 calendar will remain full and exciting, with the return of the sport to Sepang offering a unique experience for spectators worldwide.#formula_1 #malaysia #bahrain #fia #sepang_international_circuit
Iranian Attacks on US Allies in Middle East Kill Two Troops, Leave One Missing Two U.S. troops were killed and one remains missing in Jordan following a series of Iranian attacks on U.S. allies in the Middle East. The strikes, which occurred amid escalating tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, marked a significant escalation in the conflict. Jordan’s military reported intercepting 10 Iranian missiles fired into its airspace overnight, though no damage was confirmed. The attacks coincided with the continuation of U.S. strikes on Iran, which had entered their second week after President Donald Trump declared a temporary ceasefire agreement with Tehran invalid. Kuwait and Bahrain also faced Iranian strikes, with both nations accusing Tehran of targeting civilian infrastructure. Kuwait, which relies heavily on desalinated water for 90% of its drinking supply, reported that Iranian attacks damaged a power and water desalination plant. The country briefly closed its airspace as it intercepted missiles and drones, resulting in injuries to firefighters and a worker battling fires. Bahrain activated air sirens on Saturday, warning residents to take shelter after detecting potential incoming threats. Jordan’s state-run Petra news agency confirmed its air defense systems had downed Iranian missiles. Iran’s attacks on U.S. allies came in response to U.S. strikes on civilian infrastructure, including bridges and power facilities. The secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned Iran’s actions, calling the strikes on civilian sites “war crimes” and a “grave violation of international law.” The statement emphasized the need for international accountability, citing the deliberate targeting of infrastructure and civilian facilities.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #bahrain #kuwait #jordan
U.S. and Iran Escalate Conflict with Strikes, Retaliatory Fire, and Diplomatic Tensions The U.S. and Iran have intensified their military confrontation following a series of strikes and retaliatory attacks that have sparked fears of a broader regional conflict. On July 12, 2026, the U.S. launched another round of strikes on Iran, prompting Tehran to respond with attacks on Gulf neighbors including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Oman. The strikes, which targeted Iran’s military infrastructure, were followed by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reporting that projectiles had been fired at military sites in Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Hajiabad, though no casualties were reported. The U.S. military has not yet commented on the attacks, but the incidents have raised concerns about the potential for further escalation. The conflict has reached a critical juncture as both nations approach the midpoint of a 60-day interim deal aimed at resolving the war. Retired Gen. Frank McKenzie, former commander of U.S. Central Command, warned that the U.S. could take control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil trade, if President Trump chooses to do so. McKenzie emphasized that while the U.S. Navy is reluctant to operate in the narrow strait, it possesses the capability to enforce control. He argued that Iran’s leadership typically responds to "military force and extreme pressure," suggesting that direct confrontation may be necessary to secure diplomatic concessions. Iran, however, has rejected U.S. claims that it does not control the Strait of Hormuz. The country’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) declared that passage through the waterway is "currently not possible," despite U.S. Central Command asserting that the strait remains open to all vessels.#iran #united_states #strait_of_hormuz #qatar #bahrain
Middle East Escalates Tensions as Iran Accuses US of Attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar Iran has accused the United States of conducting missile and drone strikes against Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar in response to Washington’s recent airstrikes targeting Iran. The tensions follow the U.S. announcement of its third round of attacks on Iranian military sites, which came after accusations that Iran had attacked a U.S.-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian state media, the attacks on the Gulf states were a direct retaliation for the U.S. strikes. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted U.S. military facilities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar, stating that the strikes destroyed a “command and control center” and a “warfare coordination hub” in the UAE. The IRGC also alleged that the U.S. had launched a drone strike on a military base in Qatar, though details remain unclear. The U.S. accused Iran of attacking a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which was flying the flag of Cyprus, as part of its broader campaign against Iranian military infrastructure. This incident followed a series of escalating confrontations between the two nations, including previous drone and missile strikes. Meanwhile, reports indicate that explosions were heard in Kuwait and Bahrain, with officials in Kuwait stating that their armed forces had intercepted incoming missiles or drones. However, no specific details were provided about the number of attacks or their origins. The UAE has also reportedly taken defensive measures against potential Iranian threats, though no official confirmation of strikes has been released. The IRGC warned that further U.S. or Israeli aggression would provoke a “more devastating response,” highlighting the deepening crisis in the region.#iran #united_states #bahrain #kuwait #jordan
Hormuz Strait Closure Amid US-Iran Tensions Escalate A US military strike on an Iranian vessel near the Hormuz Strait triggered a retaliatory missile attack by Iran, leading to the closure of the critical waterway. The incident unfolded on Saturday as a US ship passed through the strait, prompting an Iranian missile strike. In response, the US launched a large-scale air strike on multiple Iranian military targets, including missile launch sites, weapon depots, and communication hubs. The conflict has intensified regional tensions, with both sides accusing each other of escalating hostilities. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced the complete closure of the Hormuz Strait, stating that the area would remain blocked until the US withdraws its forces. The IRGC claimed that the US strike on an Iranian ship was an act of aggression, and the missile attacks on US bases in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and Oman were a proportional response. The IRGC emphasized that the closure of the strait was a necessary measure to deter further US military activity in the region. The US military, however, denied any restrictions on maritime traffic through the Hormuz Strait, asserting that the waterway remains open for commercial and military vessels. A US military spokesperson stated that the strike was conducted to neutralize Iranian threats to global shipping and regional security. President Donald Trump reiterated the US stance, declaring that the strait remains open and that the strike was a decisive action to counter Iranian aggression. The conflict has resulted in significant damage to Iranian infrastructure, with the US claiming to have destroyed approximately 140 targets in the latest strike. This marks a substantial escalation compared to previous attacks, which targeted fewer locations.#qatar #bahrain #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps #us_military #hormuz_strait
US Launches Airstrikes on Iran Amid Escalating Gulf Tensions The United States conducted a series of airstrikes against Iran on Thursday, escalating regional tensions as Tehran retaliated by launching attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. The strikes, which targeted military infrastructure and port facilities, followed a tense standoff over Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28, has seen repeated clashes between the two nations, with both sides accusing each other of undermining efforts to secure the critical waterway. The U.S. military’s Central Command confirmed that 90 targets across Iran were struck, including an airport runway, missile launchers, and infrastructure critical to Iran’s naval capabilities. The strikes were described as an effort to “further degrade” Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas trade. The attacks came hours after President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s recent attacks on ships in the strait signaled the end of a fragile ceasefire. Trump reiterated his threats to retaliate against Iran’s civilian infrastructure, including electric and desalination plants, and to seize Kharg Island, a key hub for Iranian oil exports. Iran responded by launching missile and drone attacks on Gulf Arab states, with sirens sounding in Bahrain, home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet headquarters. Kuwait’s military reported intercepting incoming projectiles, while Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed responsibility for strikes on Bahrain and Kuwait. The attacks also targeted infrastructure in Iran, including the Bushehr nuclear power plant complex and southern port cities such as Chabahar, Konarak, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik.#strait_of_hormuz #bahrain #us_military #khamenei #iranian_revolutionary_guard
Qatar Steps Up Peace Efforts as West Asia Conflict Continues Doha: Amid ongoing tensions in the West Asia region, Qatar has reaffirmed its commitment to mediating peace efforts between conflicting nations. The Gulf state emphasized its dedication to resolving disputes and bringing stability to the region, despite the continued hostilities. Qatar’s foreign ministry conveyed its stance to Iran, urging the country to refrain from actions that could undermine peace initiatives. The nation also highlighted its role in addressing the recent incident involving an Iranian ship, which it claimed was an unnecessary escalation. The conflict has seen persistent attacks across the Gulf, with Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar facing aerial threats. On July 9, 2026, early morning alarms sounded in Bahrain and Kuwait as missile and drone attacks were detected. In Bahrain, two waves of warning sirens were triggered after a reported aerial assault, prompting authorities to advise citizens to seek shelter in secure locations. Kuwait’s military successfully intercepted incoming missiles and drones, though the engagement caused significant noise that raised public concern. Officials assured residents that the defensive systems were effective and that the attacks posed no immediate threat. Qatar also issued heightened security alerts, initially warning of a “high security threat” but later lifting the advisory after the situation stabilized. The country’s response to the escalating tensions followed reports of military movements by Iran and the United States, which have intensified regional instability. Qatar’s efforts to de-escalate the situation have been met with mixed reactions, as some nations continue to prioritize military posturing over diplomatic solutions.#iran #united_states #qatar #bahrain #kuwait
US Launches New Strikes on Iran Amid Escalating Tensions The United States has intensified its military operations against Iran, launching a new round of strikes targeting key infrastructure and military assets in the country. The attacks, which occurred on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, were described by US Central Command as efforts to “further degrade Iran’s ability to threaten freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.” Iranian state media reported explosions in several cities, including Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik, while the US military confirmed targeting of missile and drone systems that could endanger US assets in the region. The strikes followed a series of Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, which President Donald Trump claimed had “made the ceasefire over.” During a trip back to Washington, DC, after attending the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump warned on social media that US retaliation would “get much worse” if Iran continued targeting ships in the critical waterway. His comments came as Iranian forces launched strikes on oil tankers and other vessels, prompting the US to escalate its response. Iran’s promised retaliation for the US strikes appears to have begun, with sirens warning of incoming threats sounding in Bahrain and Kuwait. Authorities in Kuwait reported that its air defenses were actively responding to “hostile missile and drone threats,” while Bahrain’s interior ministry urged citizens to “remain calm and head to the nearest safe place.” Iranian officials had previously warned of a response to the US strikes, and the attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait mark a significant escalation in the conflict. The US military confirmed that its strikes targeted infrastructure critical to Iran’s military capabilities, including a railway bridge outside the city of Aqqala.#iran #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #bahrain #us_central_command
Defending Champions Bahrain Face Crucial Clash Against Kazakhstan in AVC Men’s Cup 2026 Bahrain’s senior men’s volleyball national team will compete in a pivotal match today during the AVC Men’s Cup 2026 in Ahmedabad, India. The defending champions, currently in Pool A, will face Kazakhstan in their penultimate fixture of the preliminary stage. The encounter, scheduled for 3:30pm Bahrain time at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, carries significant weight for Bahrain’s semi-final prospects. Both teams are separated by just one point in the pool after three games, making the result a decisive factor in their advancement. Bahrain enters the match seeking redemption after a three-set loss to the host nation India on Tuesday night. This marked their first defeat of the tournament, following two consecutive victories against Chinese Taipei and New Zealand. Kazakhstan, meanwhile, also suffered a setback against India but managed a hard-fought five-set win over Australia and a triumph against Chinese Taipei. The outcome of today’s clash could determine whether either team secures a top-two finish in Pool A, which is necessary for progression to the final four. Other matches in Pool A today include a showdown between New Zealand and Chinese Taipei at 12:30pm Bahrain time, while India will take on Australia at 6:30pm. In Pool B, Oman will face South Korea in the sole fixture of the division. All times are listed in Bahrain time, and the tournament resumes after a rest day yesterday. The preliminary round will conclude tomorrow with Bahrain’s final group match against Australia at 6:30pm. To advance to the semifinals, Bahrain must finish among the top two in their pool. The final four will be decided on Saturday, followed by gold and bronze medal matches the next day.#india #bahrain #kazakhstan #veer_savarkar_sports_complex #avc_men_s_cup_2026
Iran Launches Attacks on US Targets in Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan in Retaliation for US Strikes Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched drone and missile strikes against US military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan in response to recent US attacks on Iranian territory. The IRGC claimed to have targeted 21 US assets, including an F-35 fighter jet hangar at an airbase in Jordan, and destroyed four of them. All projectiles were intercepted without causing casualties in the affected regions, according to local authorities. The attacks followed US military strikes on Iranian ports and islands in the Strait of Hormuz, which the US accused Iran of downing an Apache helicopter. US President Donald Trump condemned Iran’s actions, vowing retaliation and accusing Tehran of stalling negotiations for a peace deal. In a social media post, he stated that Iran’s delay in reaching an agreement would result in “paying the price.” Earlier, Trump had claimed the two sides were just days away from a deal, but the latest escalation has complicated diplomatic efforts. The IRGC warned that its forces remain prepared to deliver a “crushing and decisive” response to any further US actions, emphasizing that Washington would bear the consequences of any further escalation. The conflict has drawn international attention, with Gulf states viewing Iran’s attacks as threats to their sovereignty and territorial integrity. Al Jazeera’s Tohid Asadi noted that Iranian officials remain unmoved by US rhetoric, framing their strikes as demonstrations of strength rather than concessions. Meanwhile, Qatar has stepped in as a mediator, with a Qatari delegation engaging Iranian officials in Tehran to de-escalate tensions. However, the Gulf nations remain wary, as they see the conflict as a war they were unwillingly drawn into.#us #iran #bahrain #kuwait #jordan
Iran War Has Wide Impact on One Iowa College's International Student Body Fighting in the Middle East disrupted student life at Grinnell College, an institution known for its diverse international student population, by forcing the cancellation of a March overseas study trip to Bahrain. The trip, part of a special topics course on African Diaspora in the Indian Ocean, was abruptly canceled due to escalating tensions following the U.S.-led airstrikes on Iran’s capital, Tehran, on February 28, 2026. The attacks, which killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and several senior military officials, triggered a wave of retaliatory strikes across the Persian Gulf, including a missile strike on the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain. By March 2, the U.S. Embassy in Bahrain had closed, prompting Grinnell College to cancel the planned trip. The conflict’s ripple effects extended beyond the canceled trip. Daanyal Ahmed, a Qatari student set to graduate, described the situation as unprecedented. His father, a member of the Qatari Air Force, has been receiving daily alerts from the government about the escalating crisis. Ahmed, who has never experienced such warnings before, said his father has stopped attending his regular job due to safety concerns. Meanwhile, Ahmed’s Qatari SIM card continues to receive emergency broadcasts from the Ministry of Interior, instructing residents to stay indoors and avoid sharing information. These alerts mark the first time his parents have encountered such directives. Faculty members also faced disruptions. Shuchi Kapila, a professor and chair of English at Grinnell, had planned to join the Bahrain trip as an additional chaperone to teach a unit on Abdulrazak Gurnah’s novel By the Sea.#iran #qatar #bahrain #ayatollah_ali_khamenei #grinnell_college
Iran's cheap drones are draining costly US and Israeli interceptors A new report and expert analysis reveal a growing concern about the sustainability of U.S. and Israeli air defenses as they face a surge in Iranian drone attacks. Despite high interception rates, the cost imbalance between Iran’s low-cost weapons and the expensive interceptors used to counter them is creating a critical challenge. According to a report obtained by Fox News Digital from the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA), more than 90% of Iranian projectiles have been intercepted during the conflict, thanks to a layered regional air defense system. However, this success has come at a steep price. Iran’s least expensive weapons, including drones and cluster munitions, are proving to be the most disruptive, forcing U.S. and Israeli forces to use costly interceptors to neutralize them. The report highlights a deliberate Iranian strategy to dismantle the air defense architecture that enables these intercepts. Iran has targeted energy infrastructure to disrupt markets and used cluster munitions to increase the effectiveness of its attacks. This approach has strained interceptor stockpiles across the region, with Gulf states reporting significant depletion. Bahrain, for example, may have used up to 87% of its Patriot missiles, while the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have each consumed around 75% of their interceptors. Qatar has also used approximately 40% of its inventory. Israel, too, is facing pressure on its interceptor reserves. While officials have not publicly confirmed stockpile levels, the report notes signs of rationing, including decisions to avoid intercepting certain cluster-munition threats to preserve more advanced systems. Experts warn that the cost disparity between Iranian weapons and U.S.#iran #qatar #united_arab_emirates #bahrain #jinsa
Fertilizer prices surge amid Iran war, sparking food security warnings Farmers worldwide face mounting challenges as the Iran conflict disrupts global fertilizer supply chains, driving prices to record highs and raising alarms about food security. The war has severely impacted the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for one-third of the global seaborne fertilizer trade, leading to supply shortages and soaring costs. With the Northern Hemisphere entering its planting season and Southern Hemisphere harvests underway, the crisis threatens to disrupt agricultural production on a massive scale. The Strait of Hormuz, located along Iran’s southern coast, has become a focal point of the conflict. Since the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February, the waterway has seen a dramatic decline in shipping activity, with several vessels damaged or sunk. This disruption has crippled the movement of fertilizers, particularly nitrogen-based products, which are essential for crop growth. Analysts report that the price of FOB granular urea in Egypt—a key indicator for nitrogen fertilizers—has surged to around $700 per metric ton, up from $400 to $490 before the war. Urea and ammonia prices have risen by approximately 50% and 20%, respectively, while potash and sulfur have also seen significant increases. Chris Lawson, vice president of market intelligence at CRU, highlighted the scale of the disruption. He noted that the Strait of Hormuz’s closure has left around 30% of global urea exporters, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Iran, unable to supply the market. Iran, a major producer of nitrogen fertilizers, is particularly vulnerable. “There’s a lot of traded supply at risk—30% of global urea trade comes out of Iran and the Hormuz-constrained countries,” Lawson said.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #qatar #bahrain #saudi_arabia
Gulf States Push for Continued Conflict with Iran Despite Initial Opposition Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar, have shifted from initial caution to advocating for sustained military action against Iran, according to four senior officials who spoke to The Times of Israel. While these countries initially urged the United States to avoid a war with Iran, they now emphasize the need to weaken Tehran’s military capabilities to prevent further regional threats. The officials revealed that Gulf states anticipated Iran’s retaliatory strikes, which targeted all six GCC nations, and criticized the U.S.-Israel alliance for escalating the conflict. Despite the attacks, which killed civilians and disrupted key economic sectors like oil production and tourism, the Gulf states remain committed to degrading Iran’s military power. One official noted that the region’s consensus was that diplomatic efforts should have been prioritized over military strikes, which they argue failed to address Iran’s destabilizing activities. The U.S. and Israel launched operations such as “Epic Fury” and “Roaring Lion” to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile capabilities. However, Iran’s response included strikes on Gulf infrastructure, prompting Gulf nations to reassess their stance. A senior diplomat stated that allowing Iran to retain its military tools would pose a “strategic disaster,” underscoring the urgency of further degrading Tehran’s capabilities. Oman emerged as an exception, with its foreign minister advocating for an immediate ceasefire, arguing that both Iran and the U.S. benefit from ending hostilities. Other Gulf states, however, remain divided.#qatar #united_arab_emirates #bahrain #saudi_arabia #gulf_cooperation_council
US-Iran War Escalates with Missile Attacks and Regional Strikes Israeli military officials confirmed on Friday that Iran launched a new wave of missile attacks, with strikes hitting multiple areas in Iran, including Tehran. Air raid sirens were reported across West Asia, affecting regions such as Bahrain and Israel, as the conflict entered its 21st day. The attacks followed a series of retaliatory strikes by Iran, which intensified its operations in response to previous Israeli actions. Loud explosions were heard near the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, with smoke rising from the impact site, according to Israeli media. The blasts occurred close to the Jewish and Armenian quarters of the historic area, raising concerns about civilian casualties. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reported that Israeli forces targeted infrastructure in Tehran, with a military statement claiming strikes were directed at "the Iranian terror regime’s infrastructure." The conflict also saw coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian cargo vessels in a port city, as reported by Iranian media. Israeli forces reportedly targeted the Caspian Sea region, including major ports like Bandar Anzali. Iran responded by warning its "enemies" that they would not be safe in "parks, recreational areas, and tourist destinations" worldwide, following the killing of senior Iranian leaders. This escalation came after Iran launched attacks on oil and gas facilities in the Gulf, retaliating for an Israeli strike on a key Iranian gas field. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that, at the request of President Donald Trump, Israel would temporarily halt further attacks on an offshore Iranian gas field. However, the Israeli military continued to warn of incoming Iranian missiles, with sirens sounding from Haifa to the Sea of Galilee.#iran #israel #bahrain #saudi_arabia #iranian_gas_field
Iranian State-Linked Agency Alleges Deliberate Drone Strikes on AWS Data Centers An Iranian news outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed that drone strikes on three Amazon Web Services (AWS) data centers were intentional. The attacks, which occurred on March 1, targeted two facilities in the United Arab Emirates and a third site in Bahrain, where the strikes caused damage to the facility. The incidents disrupted AWS’s ME-CENTRAL-1 and ME-SOUTH-1 cloud regions, with full service restoration expected to take significant time due to the extent of the damage. The Bahrain-based data center, described as the largest U.S. facility in the region, also houses AWS’s Middle Eastern satellite ground station, which was reportedly affected by the strikes. The Iranian agency, Fars, stated that the operations “have dealt a serious blow to the enemy’s technological and information infrastructure,” citing power outages, fires, and structural damage as consequences. The attacks have raised concerns about the vulnerability of critical infrastructure in the region. AWS, which serves the U.S. Department of Defense, military contractors, and civilian businesses, has not officially commented on the allegations. However, the strikes have prompted the U.S. and Israel to target two Iranian data centers, though it remains unclear whether the actions were retaliatory or part of a broader strategy to dismantle critical infrastructure. The conflict between the U.S. and Iran escalated on February 28, when coordinated joint attacks by the two nations began targeting cities and sites across Iran. In response, Iranian retaliatory strikes have hit Gulf states and beyond, raising fears of a broader regional escalation.#united_arab_emirates #bahrain #iranian_revolutionary_guard_corps #amazon_web_services #aws_me_central_1
Trump says he won’t declare Iran war over after claiming US ‘decimated’ its military | Live Updates from Fox News Digital Iran and its proxies carried out attacks across the Middle East on Monday, striking Israel with ballistic missiles, hitting a high-profile hotel in Baghdad with a drone and causing major flight disruptions at Dubai International Airport. An Iranian drone struck the Al Rashid Hotel in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a location where diplomats often stay, hitting the top floor of the building and sparking a fire. Another Iranian drone caused flight disruptions at Dubai International Airport. Iran also attacked Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates throughout the day. Before those strikes, debris from an intercepted missile caused damage in Jerusalem, near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the historic site where Christians believe Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Rockets and drones were launched at the U.S. embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday, according to a report. The attack, which included at least five drones from areas around the city, was the most intense barrage since the start of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, Iraqi security sources told Reuters. A witness observed at least three drones heading in the direction of the embassy, while the C-RAM air defense system intercepted two of the drones. A third struck inside the embassy compound, where fire and smoke were seen rising. Another witness said an explosion was heard in Baghdad. This comes as Iranian-backed militias have been attacking U.S. interests in Iraq in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes that began late last month, triggering a wider conflict in the Middle East. The U.S. average for retail diesel prices exceeded $5 a gallon for only the second time ever on Monday, as the U.S.#iran #iraq #strait_of_hormuz #united_arab_emirates #bahrain
Iran War: Escalating Conflict and Regional Fallout on Day 14 Heavy Israeli strikes have intensified in Tehran, Iran, as the conflict with the US and Israel spreads across the Gulf, disrupting critical oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and driving global oil prices to record highs. The situation has also sparked growing political pressure in Washington, with domestic opposition mounting over the escalating military engagement. Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has issued a stark warning, vowing to continue attacks on Israel and US military infrastructure in the Middle East unless bases hosting US forces are closed. Israeli air strikes have targeted Tehran, leaving the city shrouded in smoke, while Iran claims civilian casualties have surged, with at least 1,348 deaths reported, including children and elderly individuals. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil exports, has been effectively closed, with Iranian authorities asserting control over the route. This has led to a sharp spike in Brent crude oil prices, surpassing $100 per barrel. The strait, shared between Iran and Oman, is the sole passage for Gulf oil and gas producers, and Iran has barred US and Israeli-linked vessels from using it, requiring permission for others to transit. Regional tensions have escalated as Iran launches drone and missile attacks on Gulf states hosting US military assets. Bahrain has intercepted 114 missiles and 190 drones since the conflict began on February 28, while Saudi Arabia has downed 28 drones after intercepting 10. The UAE has condemned Iranian strikes, reporting attacks on Dubai International Airport and hotels. Australia has ordered non-essential officials to leave the UAE and Israel, urging citizens to evacuate the Middle East.#iran #strait_of_hormuz #bahrain #saudi_arabia #mohammad_khamenei
Explosions In Downtown Dubai, Small Clouds Of Smoke Seen As Iran Continues To Strike Authorities in Dubai reported a "minor drone incident" on Thursday after an AFP correspondent heard explosions in the city's downtown area, as Iran continued its campaign against the Gulf in response to US-Israeli attacks. The Dubai government's media office stated that no injuries were reported, and the incident occurred in the Al Bada'a neighborhood. Small clouds of smoke were observed rising above the residential area before dissipating. The Gulf region has faced significant Iranian attacks since the Middle East conflict began on February 28, resulting in 24 casualties, including seven US service members and 11 civilians. Earlier in the day, a container ship near Dubai was struck by a projectile, causing a small fire. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center confirmed the incident, noting the vessel's crew remained safe. In Bahrain, an Iranian attack triggered a major fire on Muharraq Island, which houses the country's international airport. The airport's jet fuel tanks and nearby oil industry facilities were at risk. Kuwait's Defense Ministry reported that an Iranian drone struck a residential building, injuring two people. The UAE activated its air defenses twice to protect Dubai from attacks, with firefighters extinguishing a blaze at a tower in Dubai Creek Harbor after a drone impact. Saudi Arabia confirmed it shot down a drone targeting the diplomatic quarter of Riyadh and reported downing drones in the kingdom's eastern region, including one attempting to strike the Shaybah oil field. The ongoing conflict highlights the escalating tensions in the Gulf, with Iran's attacks continuing to disrupt critical infrastructure and civilian areas.#iran #dubai #bahrain #kuwait #al_badaa
